The Mocs are replacing their top two rushers from last season, but the running game is not a big area of concern.  That's because there are two experienced junior running backs in the program, and a number of fresh faces who can help carry the load.

Senior Erroll Wynn capped off a long career by leading UTC in rushing in 2010.  He put up 653 yards on 124 carries to go with five touchdowns.  Keon Williams is also off the roster for 2011 after earning a spot on the Southern Conference All-Freshman team with 500 yards and four scores on 103 carries.    

UTC will look to juniors J.J. Jackson (5-9, 200 - Marietta, Ga.) and Chris Awuah (5-9, 200 - Marietta, Ga.) to handle the ball-carrying duties this season.  Awuah led the Mocs with 459 yards as a freshman in 2009.  He had a more versatile role last season, scoring a touchdown passing, rushing, receiving and on special teams.  Jackson posted 223 yards and three touchdowns on 63 carries. 

"Obviously J.J. Jackson has been a very dependable back for us," stated head coach Russ Huesman.  "He does everything right and we think he can get great yards for us this year.  Chris Awuah has played a lot of great football for us and we expect big things from him.  I think with those two guys, they will get the bulk of the carries."

Three newcomers will be battling for the backup roles, including sophomore Desmond Walker and freshmen Marquis Green and Kendrix Huitt.  Walker is a transfer from Alabama A&M while Green and Huitt are both true freshmen coming off highly touted prep careers.   

"Desmond Walker has had a really good camp," added Huesman.  "One of the freshmen, either Marquis Green or Kendrix Huitt, will also help us out.  They have all had pretty good camps.  Kenny has been a little banged up, but Marquis is coming on.  We feel pretty good there."

Jackson and Awauh have both assumed leadership roles with this group.  "I definitely have taken a leadership role and have tried to be an asset with the younger guys," added Jackson.  "I want to help them deal with the different things I had to deal with as an incoming freshman and a sophomore.  The leadership role has also helped me as a player and helped to get my skills strengthened."

The fullback slot has three fighting for time on the field.  Senior Thomas Green (6-0, 220 - Hixson, Tenn.) currently leads the way.  He is a former prep teammate of fellow seniors B.J. Coleman and Joel Bradford and Chattanooga's McCallie School.  Entering his fifth year in the program, his experience gives him the edge on a talented group of backups who are pushing for playing time. 

True freshman Taharin Tyson (5-11, 225 - Alcoa, Tenn.) will play this year and is looking good in camp.  Sophomore Vershawn Cosby (5-10, 210 - Winterhaven, Fla.) will also be in the mix after transferring to UTC from Morehead State. 

"The fullback spot...Thomas Green finally gets his chance," added Huesman.  "Fifth-year senior, we are excited about him.  He is solid.  True freshman Taharin Tyson has looked really, really good.  He will play a lot this year.  He is pushing Thomas.  It is a pretty big battle.  We think we have a lot of people there and we have quality there."

The Mocs' ability to pass the ball has overshadowed the running game the last two seasons.  However, Chattanooga has improved on the ground.  UTC will need a strong running attack to open up things in the air for the upcoming season. 

According to Huesman, "I think we were better at running it last year, and we will probably be better again this year, but when you have guys who can throw it (Walter Payton Award candidate QB B.J. Coleman) and guys who can catch it (preseason All-American WR Joel Bradford) like we do, we will probably throw it a little more than we will run it again this year.  But we do have to be able to run the ball."